Brennan’s building blocks

Sarah Black (AFL Media)
Mar 15, 2019 2:04PM

Pride belongs to the westAhead of the annual AFLW Pride Game, Western Bulldogs defender Tiarna Ernst and her partner Laura talk to Bulldogs Media about their special bond, and the role that football has played in helping them find a sense of belonging.

Western Bulldogs co-captain Katie Brennan is finally poised to play her first complete season of AFLW after right ankle injuries decimated her first two years.

Brennan was signed as a marquee player by the club in 2016.

The key forward played two games in 2017 and four last year, and subsequently missed the entire 2018 VFLW season after having an ankle reconstruction.

"It's been a really good season just to be able to build back in. I feel like I haven't played any football in the last two or three years and (I’ve) just been trying to get some continuity into my training and also (enjoying) being out on the park with the group," Brennan said.

"My biggest aim was to get through – touch wood – all seven games and (then) to be able to play a full VFLW season and continue to build. (Another aim was) to get the love of footy back and really enjoy being out there with our group, which I certainly have done."

It's been a tough season for the reigning premiers, who have had to deal with losing key midfielders Emma Kearney and Jenna Bruton to North Melbourne and experienced ruck Aasta O'Connor to Geelong.

Injuries have also hurt, with talented forwards Izzy Huntington (knee) and Brooke Lochland (fractured leg) missing for the first four rounds.

Win or lose against Carlton at Whitten Oval on Sunday, the Dogs will finish the season at the bottom of the strong Conference A ladder.

"(We've been focusing on) trying to execute our game-plan and really play some 'Bulldogs football' to finish off the year," Brennan said.

"At this time of year, you just want to see some results. Our ultimate aim certainly wasn't … about winning the premiership again.

"The more fun you have and the more the girls start to see team footy being (played) and some results coming in our development, you get more buy-in."

Brennan will be playing in her first AFLW Pride Game, having missed last year's edition.

The two teams will wear Pride-themed guernseys as a way of recognising and supporting the LBGTIQ community and celebrating inclusiveness and gender diversity, and welcoming all people regardless of their sexual orientation.

"It's massive … Bri (Davey, the Carlton skipper who joined Brennan earlier this week to help promote the game) touched on the fact there are so many people involved in (AFLW) within the community," she said.

"The biggest thing for both of us … is how proud we are our clubs are pioneering this incredible initiative. It was a fantastic game last year … we were both on the sidelines for it and I think it was one of the games I'll remember for the rest of my life.

"We had Brookey Lochland stepping up and kicking seven goals and it was a really incredible community feeling.

"We're very proud to represent clubs that are 100 per cent behind this."